Rating: 
Summary: history, spirituality and self-defense
Review: I just finished reading most of the reviews and I was surprised by the respect for Sensei Suenaka that was expressed.
This book came about through love for Aikido and Sensei Suenaka. Something that most of the reviewers did not know is that, we (yes, myself included) donated our time, services and talents to help Sensei Suenaka obtain his dream of completing this book. This book was something he was very passionate about and felt needed to be written. During the whole process he kept telling us "this book is going to be different" and he was right.
I just purchased additional copies of his book to have when my children get older. I want them to know about the history, spirituality and the self-defense that Aikido has to offer.
I am now on the West Coast and unable to attend classes, but I will never forget the journey that his Atlanta school provided. I am hoping to savor it a moment longer through his book.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for any martial artist
Review: If you look in any yellow pages or in any martial arts magazines, you will sadly see multitudes of "Shihan" (masters) who run martial arts schools or have training videos. A little investigation will reveal that there usually is no substance behind the rank, or the "World Champion" status that is proclaimed.Then there are real Shihan like Suenaka Sensei. This book, in addition to any written by John Stevens Sensei, provide not only factual background about Aikido, but are important guides to the spirit of humilty that all of the arts are supposed to foster. The stories of his relationships with Aikido's founder, Ueshiba Sensei (known as O Sensei-great teacher-by Aikido practitioners), Tohei Sensei and the other great true Shihan who influenced his life are fascinating. We should all be so lucky. Equally important is the emphasis on Aikido's practicality in the street and in everyday life...the former of which is frequently questioned in the martial arts community. This book also is very honest about how childish, riduculous and foolhardy politics are in the martial arts community. Those who allow themselves to be influenced by such nonsense should be ashamed. It is unfortunate that so many instructors bombard students with the precept that they should be humble, yet display such hipocracy. Being humble with arrogance is not being humble at all. Any martial arts student who is dedicated to the spirit of his/her training will find this, and as mentioned any book by John Stevens Sensei, VERY refreshing. One great Aikido instructor under whom I had the privilege to train used to say "never take your 'student hat' off...you can learn from everyone". I am not a student of Suenaka Sensei or his "style" of Aikido, but there is a lot to learn from this book. Hopefully, the self-proclaimed champions and masters also can learn something from this. C.B. Phoenix, AZ
Rating:
Summary: Well written, informative, and enjoyable.
Review: It is nice to be able to find a book that outlines factual history in such a way that makes it enoyable to read and informative. Sensei Suenaka had the rare privilege of learing Aikido from the source. He shares his experiences and in so doing, gives us an insight into what it was like to know O'Sensei. I agree with all the reviews I have read here and really can't improve on what everyone else has said. BUY THIS BOOK.
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Summary: The story of one man's life study of Aikido.
Review: Rare among martial arts books, this is a good read even for those without a primary interest in Aikido, or even martial arts in general. For the serious Aikidoka and martial historian, it is a real jewel. The first half of the book deals with Suenaka Sensei's life and family lineage that placed him in the unique position to pioneer Aikido in the United States. An original member of the very first class of Aikido in the United States (Hawaii, 1953), his samurai ancestry virtually predicted the outcome of his life. Raised up training in all forms of the martial arts, from the karate his father taught him, to judo, lua, golden gloves boxing, jujitsu... he has learned it all, and tested it in the street. The story of how his relationship with the Founder of the beautiful and powerful art of Aikido (Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei) brought about personal transformation in his life, is universal in nature. Anyone who has been influenced by the presence of true greatness, and has had their lives changed because of it, should relate to Suenaka Sensei's love and devotion to the art of Aikido that his discipleship with the Founder engendered. Many have benefited from this love; Suenaka Sensei started the first dojo in the Carolina's, one of the first in California, and the first to open and even more significant, to stay open in Okinawa, the world's hotbed of karate. Everyone can enjoy this true biography of a modern master. The second half of the book gives instruction, with excellent photography abundantly used throughout. Many books on instruction should have the same caveat: Aikido can't be learned from any book. What this manual shows is both the proper and improper ways of performing techniques, and fortunately for the prospective student, these have been tested in the real world. While the spiritual nature of Aikido separates it from much of the martial world, it is first and foremost a martial art, and as Suenaka Sensei believes, if it doesn't work, it is a waste of time, and a dishonor ! to the teachings of O'Sensei. Forty five years devoted to Aikido lends the highest credibility to his interpretation of the art. The act of constantly striving to raise standards, for the preservation and improvement of the art and its students, is the reason this book was written, and it should be in the library of any serious martial artist.
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Summary: Complete Aikido: Aikido Kyohan The Definative Guide to the W
Review: Rare and personal!! For all who are really interested in the politics that go on in martial arts from the Kyu levels to Hanshi, great insight into the developement of style, the rise and fall of ryu in the orient as well as in the States is bestowed. This book will show you the evolution of style and philosophy on a personal level. How does one balance what we adhere to in our art as well as in life itself. A great read and highly accurate in waza. Essential.
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Summary: An Aikido life
Review: Sensei Suenaka, a treasure in the martial arts world takes us on a fantastic journey. Outling his life's training at the feet of the modern masters, Sensei takes us into the world of Aikido we have never known. Documenting the split between Tohei and O'Sensei one can see the true sense of Suenaka's dedication to his art and the way. Sensei also puts to rest claims that Aikido is ineffective self-defense. In the second section what is shown with clarity and detail is a text on correct and incorrect technique. This book is for beginner and expert alike. An outstanding work, very well done.
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Summary: Suenaka Sensei Tells it like it is!
Review: This book truly shows Aikido and the real world, and that practicing the way is not all esoteric and unattainable for the average man (or woman). I only wish that Suenaka Sensei taught on the west coast so that I could train in his dojo.
Rating:
Summary: Suenaka Sensei Tells it like it is!
Review: This book truly shows Aikido and the real world, and that practicing the way is not all esoteric and unattainable for the average man (or woman). I only wish that Suenaka Sensei taught on the west coast so that I could train in his dojo.
Rating:
Summary: Suenka's Aikido Works!
Review: This is an excellent book on the growth of a martial artist (Suenaka) and the evolution of an art (Aikido). Suenaka moves through the years rather quickly, yet one feels connected at each stage of his life. I have read a couple of Tohei's books and while I agree that ki practice is essential to Aikido, Suenaka does not forsake technique for ki development. He also makes a strong point for using atemi (vital strikes) when applying a complete Aikido waza (technique). Contrary to what some Aikido stylist may believe, and what Suenaka understands, atemi is very useful as a distraction or to "soften" up your attacker. Suenaka is a true master who highlights the ways politics and egos can negatively impact the martial arts. The technique photos are pretty good but not extensive. Basic movements and drills were addressed well. It was an enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: good but not outstanding
Review: This is another great work. Sensei Roy Suenaka gives a no-nonsense narrative of his history with aikido as well as basic technique and training tips. There is also reference to Seunaka's friendship with one of the founders of the Shorin Ryu style of karate and Suenaka's experiences with Sensei Saotome. Great history, Great technique advice and overall entertaining reading.
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